Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 3 Free Essays
After a good nightââ¬â¢s sleep, I went to work the next morning, feeling a bit more optimistic about life. I decided Tawny had probably already scored last night, and Niphon was on his way to the airport. Plus, Iââ¬â¢d get to see Seth soon since he had made my place of employment, Emerald City Books Caf?à ¦, his writing headquarters. We will write a custom essay sample on Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 3 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Yes, it wouldnââ¬â¢t be such a bad day. Due to my ex-managerââ¬â¢s complicated pregnancy, Iââ¬â¢d recently inherited her position. This had left my old assistant-manager position vacant, and weââ¬â¢d ended up hiring Maddie Sato who just happened to be the sister of Doug Sato ââ¬â the other assistant manager. It had been a stunning display of favoritism, and Doug had thrown a fit, complaining how weââ¬â¢d just lowered his coolness rating by ten points. As it was, Maddie already lived with him. Sheââ¬â¢d come to visit after his recent hospitalization and never really left. She had a second job as a freelance writer at a feminist magazine, and working at Emerald City gave her a more stable source of income. I liked Maddie. She was smart and capable and had a twisted sense of humor that spoke to mine. She worked well with customers and was always very polite in a professional capacity. For example, she could get caught up talking with Seth about ââ¬Ëwriterlyââ¬â¢ topics and function beautifully. But, when it came to friendlier and more interpersonal stuff, her social skills were a bit lacking. After a particularly analytical writing discussion, Seth had once made an off-hand comment about her childhood, and sheââ¬â¢d frozen up. Seeing him with someone even more socially awkward than he was had been amusing, but mostly Iââ¬â¢d felt disappointed at her relapse. Iââ¬â¢d made good progress in getting her to come out of her shell and knew how fun she could be. I wanted everyone else to see it too. Today I found her upstairs in the caf?à ¦, sitting at the table Seth had staked out with his laptop. It apparently wasnââ¬â¢t a writerly day because Doug sat with them. He and Maddie appeared to be in some sort of heated argument. Seth sat between them, looking like he desperately wanted to be somewhere else. Catching my eye, he gave me a pleading look. I purposely slid a chair up beside him, forcing Doug to scoot his own chair over. No one knew Seth and I were dating, and the Sato siblings were so caught up in the discussion they didnââ¬â¢t think anything of the chair placement. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s going on?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"It had better involve the fate of the store to be detaining the entire management team.â⬠The holidays were nearly upon us, and business was insane lately. Maddie had the grace to look embarrassed, suddenly remembering her duties. She opened her mouth to speak, but Doug interrupted her. ââ¬Å"My illustrious sisterââ¬â¢s an insensitive bitch.â⬠Maddie rolled her eyes. ââ¬Å"He has some crazy ideas about Beth.â⬠I sighed. ââ¬Å"Look, if this is about the time Beth wore leg warmers here ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t remind me of that,â⬠grumbled Doug. ââ¬Å"My illustrious brother has this crazy idea that Beth just broke up with someone,â⬠explained Maddie. Both looked at me as though they expected me to set this matter straight. Puzzled, I glanced back and forth between them. ââ¬Å"Whyââ¬â¢s that crazy?â⬠ââ¬Å"Because she has a cold,â⬠said Maddie. ââ¬Å"She said she has a cold. Thatââ¬â¢s why sheââ¬â¢s sniffling.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s pretending to have a cold,â⬠cried Doug. ââ¬Å"What kind of sick and twisted world is this when an asshole like me is the one to notice heartache in the masses? For Godââ¬â¢s sake, her eyes are all red.â⬠ââ¬Å"Cold,â⬠Maddie repeated firmly. She considered. ââ¬Å"Or maybe allergies.â⬠ââ¬Å"In December?â⬠The two of them bickered on. Beside me, Seth fought ââ¬â and failed ââ¬â to keep a straight face. I studied the way his lips curved into a smile, liking their shape and recalling how they felt. I turned my attention back to the siblings, enjoying the show. Finally, after about five more minutes, I remembered I was an authority figure and not a slacker employee. ââ¬Å"Why is this a big deal?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"Because sheââ¬â¢s wrong,â⬠Doug said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m just trying to prove that.â⬠Maddie sighed. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re like a twelve-year-old.â⬠ââ¬Å"Am not.â⬠He jabbed her in the arm. ââ¬Å"Okay, enough.â⬠I pointed to Doug. ââ¬Å"You, register.â⬠I pointed to Maddie. ââ¬Å"You, my office.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oohâ⬠¦youââ¬â¢re in trouble,â⬠Doug told her. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m going to show her how to process orders,â⬠I growled. Maddieââ¬â¢s eyes gleamed with anticipation, dimples appearing in her round cheeks. She ate up new tasks. ââ¬Å"Female favoritism,â⬠said Doug. ââ¬Å"You like her better than me, donââ¬â¢t you? Itââ¬â¢s okay. You can tell me. I can take it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Go. Both of you. Iââ¬â¢ll be down in a sec.â⬠I looked at Seth when they were gone. ââ¬Å"This is why I donââ¬â¢t have children,â⬠I told him. That wasnââ¬â¢t true, of course. Not true at all. Children simply werenââ¬â¢t in the cards for succubi. ââ¬Å"Althoughâ⬠¦I think Dougââ¬â¢s actually right,â⬠I mused. ââ¬Å"As crazy as that is. I saw Beth on my way in.â⬠Seth smiled. ââ¬Å"Maddieââ¬â¢s a good writer and super smart, but sheââ¬â¢s kind of oblivious to other people.â⬠I gave him a wry look. ââ¬Å"I thought that was true about all writers.â⬠ââ¬Å"Some are worse than others.â⬠ââ¬Å"Shocking. You rode in a car with her for, what, four hours? Whatââ¬â¢d you guys talk about?â⬠ââ¬Å"Writing.â⬠I sighed. ââ¬Å"I wish sheââ¬â¢d relax around people other than Doug and me. Sheââ¬â¢s hilarious. She came up with the idea to Silly String Dougââ¬â¢s car after he said Betty Friedan was PMSing when she wrote The Feminine Mystique.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not sure Iââ¬â¢d describe that as ââ¬Ëhilariousââ¬â¢ so much as ââ¬Ëscary.ââ¬â¢ Besides, that was your idea,â⬠he reminded me. ââ¬Å"You two are dangerous. Your whole soul-stealing act seems kind of softcore compared to the stuff you and Maddie concoct.â⬠I grinned. It was true. I hadnââ¬â¢t really hung out with a lot of women in the last century or so and was discovering Iââ¬â¢d been missing out. ââ¬Å"You have no idea. Social awkwardness or not, sheââ¬â¢s the best thing thatââ¬â¢s happened to me in a while.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, present company excluded of course.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure. Whatever you say.â⬠ââ¬Å"Hey.â⬠I almost grabbed his hand, then remembered we were in public. ââ¬Å"Thereââ¬â¢s no competition. Youââ¬â¢re a better cook. And a better kisser.â⬠ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t realize youââ¬â¢d tried her out.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, you know how much I like writers.â⬠My smile slipped a little as my mind switched subjects. Iââ¬â¢d been thinking about my energy loss all morning, particularly since Iââ¬â¢d probably be seeking my hit tonight or tomorrow. Jerome had blown the matter off, but like usual, I couldnââ¬â¢t let it go. I decided then that Iââ¬â¢d go visit my friend Erik Lancaster, Seattleââ¬â¢s local mortal source of occult knowledge. He seemed to know more than my cronies half the time. I extended the invitation to Seth, and he agreed to come with me. I was glad. I had often thought it might do him some good to talk to another human who regularly dealt with the supernatural. This was as good of a time as any. Seth met me at my place after work, and we microwaved a quick dinner before heading out. As we walked down the stairs of my building, he teased me about Maddie again. ââ¬Å"You guys were working in the office a while. Sure you werenââ¬â¢t making out?â⬠ââ¬Å"Not too much,â⬠I assured him. He laughed and caught hold of my hand. I jerked him toward me. Our lips met in a kiss, and as the warmth of his body stirred mine, I had no doubts about what the best thing in my life was. After a few sweet moments, we followed the drill and separated, our reluctance making the disentanglement a bit awkward in execution. ââ¬Å"Yeah,â⬠I told him. ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s definitely not as good a kisser as ââ¬â ââ¬Å" I cut myself off, grimacing as I felt Niphon coming toward us. His immortal aura felt slimy and musky. I stepped farther away from Seth and glared down the sidewalk at the approaching imp. Seeing me, he waved a hand in greeting. ââ¬Å"Excuse me a moment,â⬠I muttered. I skipped down the steps and blocked Niphon from getting within earshot of Seth. ââ¬Å"What do you want?â⬠ââ¬Å"Attitude, attitude, Letha,â⬠he tsked. ââ¬Å"Succubi should be charming and cordial at all times.â⬠He peered beyond me. ââ¬Å"Is that the human boyfriend? Can I meet him?â⬠ââ¬Å"You can go the fuck away. Youââ¬â¢re supposed to be keeping an eye on Tawny.â⬠ââ¬Å"I have been,â⬠he said cheerfully. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s why I came to see you. I followed her last night. She was quite confident in her abilities but had some difficulty arranging an assignation in the end. Poor thing. It seems she may take longer than suspected in getting established. Fortunately, Iââ¬â¢ll stay with her until the end.â⬠His mocking concern dug into me, just as heââ¬â¢d intended. ââ¬Å"Is that all you came to tell me? Because Iââ¬â¢m leaving now. Iââ¬â¢ve got to be somewhere.â⬠ââ¬Å"Of course, of course,â⬠he simpered. He gestured vaguely in Sethââ¬â¢s direction. ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t mean to interrupt your heated moment, even if it looked like it was about to cool down.â⬠A sudden look of realization crossed his face. ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t sleep with him, do you? Youââ¬â¢ve got some sort of noble sense of duty about absorbing his life. That poor, poor man.â⬠Niphon laughed. ââ¬Å"Oh, Letha. You are one of the most fascinating creatures Iââ¬â¢ve ever come across.â⬠I turned my back on him and stormed up to Seth. ââ¬Å"Come on, weââ¬â¢re leaving.â⬠ââ¬Å"Who was that?â⬠he asked as we walked away. ââ¬Å"Heââ¬â¢s an imp. And an asshole.â⬠Even almost a block away, I could still just barely catch Niphonââ¬â¢s taunting laughter. I tried to ignore it as Seth and I walked to his car. Listening to my friends tease me about Seth was annoying enough. From Niphon, it was unbearable. Fortunately, I calmed down by the time Seth and I got on the road. I instead focused on seeing Erik and hopefully getting my mystery solved. Erik ran a store up in Lake City called Arcana, Ltd. Unfortunately placed in a strip mall, it nonetheless possessed a warm, cozy feel. Dim lighting shed a tranquil air, and the bubbling of small fountains mingled with the soft sounds of a CD player emitting harp music. Books, jewelry, candles, and statuary cluttered up every inch of free space. The sweet scent of nag champa hung in the air. ââ¬Å"Neat,â⬠said Seth, peering around as we entered. Erik glanced up from where he was kneeling behind a stack of books. Heââ¬â¢d grown a mustache since last I saw him, and I liked the way the gray hair stood out against his dark brown skin. A gentle smile bloomed on his face. ââ¬Å"Miss Kincaid, what an unexpected pleasure. And you have a friend.â⬠He rose and walked to us, extending his hand toward Seth. ââ¬Å"Erik, this is Seth Mortensen. Seth, Erik.â⬠They shook. ââ¬Å"A pleasure, Mr. Mortensen. You keep good company.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠said Seth, smiling in return. ââ¬Å"I do.â⬠ââ¬Å"If weââ¬â¢re lucky,â⬠I said silkily, ââ¬Å"Erik will have time for tea. He only serves decaf, so that should make you happy.â⬠ââ¬Å"Of course I have time,â⬠said Erik. ââ¬Å"I doubt thereââ¬â¢s any man who doesnââ¬â¢t have time for you, Miss Kincaid.â⬠I shot Seth a teasing look when Erik left to put the tea on. ââ¬Å"Ah, now thereââ¬â¢s someone who appreciates me. You wouldnââ¬â¢t see him shirking me for a book.â⬠ââ¬Å"If memory serves, you worship those books. Besides, how else am I supposed to keep you in the lifestyle youââ¬â¢re accustomed to?â⬠ââ¬Å"If memory serves, I paid the last time we went out.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, yeah. I was just letting you play liberated so that you and Maddie wouldnââ¬â¢t go vandalize my car.â⬠When our tea party commenced around Erikââ¬â¢s small corner table, I was surprised to hear Seth engage Erik in conversation on what it meant to be a mortal among immortals. Seth wasnââ¬â¢t usually so forthcoming, and I wondered just how much immortal weirdness troubled him. ââ¬Å"It puts my sense of time awry,â⬠remarked Erik. ââ¬Å"I see people like Miss Kincaid who stay young and beautiful forever. It makes me feel as though no time has passed. Then I look at myself and see the new wrinkles. I feel the aches in my bones. I realize I will be left behindâ⬠¦they will go on and continue to shape the world without me.â⬠He sighed, more with bemusement than sadness. ââ¬Å"I wish I could see what will happen next.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠Seth said, surprising me. His eyes looked dark and solemn. ââ¬Å"I know what you mean.â⬠I glanced over at him, seeing something Iââ¬â¢d never noticed before. I knew he must think about the future and his own death ââ¬â all mortals did ââ¬â but only now did I realize how much he really thought about those things. Looking at both men, I remembered they would eventually die, and it made something in my chest grow cold. For the space of a heartbeat, I could almost see Seth as wrinkled and gray-haired as Erik. ââ¬Å"Morbid much, you guys?â⬠I asked, trying to affect a blas?à ¦ air. ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t come here to bring everyone down. Iââ¬â¢ve got to pick Erikââ¬â¢s brain.â⬠ââ¬Å"Pick away,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Wellâ⬠¦you know how I need, uh, life and energy to survive, right?â⬠An idiotic statement. Of course he knew. ââ¬Å"Yesterday morning, I woke up, and my entire stash was gone.â⬠Erik considered. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s normal, isnââ¬â¢t it? It fades over time.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not this quickly. Especially sinceâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ I stopped, suddenly realizing having Seth here might not have been so wise after all. ââ¬Å"I, um, had just gotten a refill the night before.â⬠Both men kept neutral expressions. ââ¬Å"And you did nothing out of the ordinary?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, Jerome thinks it was mental stress.â⬠I shrugged. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think I was that stressed. I dreamedâ⬠¦a weird dreamâ⬠¦but nothing stressful.â⬠ââ¬Å"Dreams are powerful,â⬠Erik said. ââ¬Å"And sometimes stress can take more out of us than we realize. Unfortunately, I know little about dreams, butâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He frowned, and his gaze suddenly turned inward. ââ¬Å"But what?â⬠ââ¬Å"I know someone who might be able to help. Someone who specializes in dreams.â⬠ââ¬Å"Who?â⬠This sounded promising. Erik took a long time in answering. When he spoke, he seemed unhappy to give up the words. ââ¬Å"Someone who might as well be signed and sealed to your side. His nameââ¬â¢s Dante Moriarty.â⬠I snickered. ââ¬Å"That canââ¬â¢t be his real name.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not, though Iââ¬â¢m sure some of your imp and demon friends would know him by any name. Heââ¬â¢s a con artistâ⬠¦among other things. Considers himself a magician too.â⬠ââ¬Å"I deal with corrupt people all the time,â⬠I pointed out. ââ¬Å"Doesnââ¬â¢t bother me much.â⬠ââ¬Å"True,â⬠agreed Erik. He still looked troubled, which I found puzzling. Although not evil himself, he interacted with me and others of my ilk on a regular basis without blinking. I wondered what it was about one human that would bother him so much. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll get you his contact information.â⬠He sought out Danteââ¬â¢s card, and I browsed around the store while Seth used the bathroom in the back. The old storekeeper handed me the card when he found it. ââ¬Å"I like Mr. Mortensen a great deal.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah. So do I.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know. I can tell.â⬠I looked up from a display of bracelets, waiting for more. ââ¬Å"You talk and move around each other in a way youââ¬â¢re probably not even aware of. Itââ¬â¢s like how lovers usually interactâ⬠¦but itââ¬â¢s something more too. You have a continual sense of each other, I think, even when not together. Thereââ¬â¢s a burning in the air between you.â⬠I didnââ¬â¢t know what to say to that. It sounded nice ââ¬â but a little intimidating too. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve never met another of your kind whoââ¬â¢s exactly like you, Miss Kincaid.â⬠He hesitated, his normally wise-and-competent expression flickering into uncertainty. It was a rare look for him. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know how this will turn out.â⬠Seth emerged then, picking up that heââ¬â¢d interrupted something. He glanced between the two of us, and I rested a reassuring hand on his arm. ââ¬Å"You about ready to go?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure.â⬠I scanned the rest of the jewelry counter, only half-noticing the contents. Suddenly, I did a double-take and leaned over one of the cases. ââ¬Å"Erik, where do you find this stuff?â⬠He and Seth looked over my shoulder. ââ¬Å"Ah, yes,â⬠said Erik. ââ¬Å"The Byzantine rings. By the same artist who made your ankh necklace.â⬠ââ¬Å"Your artist has a real knack for historical detail. They look just like the originals.â⬠He walked around the counter and lifted out the tray with the rings. I picked one up. It was an ordinary gold band. Rather than any sort of mounted gem on top, it bore a smooth and flat disc, almost the size of a dime. Greek letters were engraved into the metal. ââ¬Å"What do they mean?â⬠asked Seth. I tried to explain the long-lost custom. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s a benediction. Like a prayer for the couple. This would have been a wedding ring.â⬠I examined another depicting Christ and the Virgin; still another showed a tiny man and woman facing each other. ââ¬Å"I used to have a ring almost like this,â⬠I said softly, turning it over in my hands. Neither man said anything, and I finally returned it to its tray. On the way home, Seth gently asked, ââ¬Å"What happened to your ring?â⬠I stared out the window. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not important.â⬠ââ¬Å"Tell me.â⬠I didnââ¬â¢t respond, and he didnââ¬â¢t ask me again. When we got back to my place, I saw no sign of Vincent and figured he was out investigating with Charlieââ¬â¢s Angels. Newspapers were scattered across my kitchen table; he apparently liked to keep up on current events. Morbid events, at that. One of the headlines was a story Iââ¬â¢d heard the other day about a crazy man whoââ¬â¢d killed his wife after having a vision of seeing her with another man. Mortals did creepy things sometimes. Okay, a lot of the time. Seth sat on my couch and leaned forward, hands clasped together. Iââ¬â¢d sensed his mood shift when I wouldnââ¬â¢t answer in the car. ââ¬Å"Thetisâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"You want to know about the ring.â⬠ââ¬Å"The ring doesnââ¬â¢t matter so much. Itââ¬â¢s justâ⬠¦well, Iââ¬â¢ve seen you get like this. Something bugs you, something you remember. But you wonââ¬â¢t talk to me about it. There are days I feel like you donââ¬â¢t tell me anything.â⬠I sat down next to him, avoiding eye contact in a way he often did. ââ¬Å"I tell you plenty.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not about your past.â⬠ââ¬Å"I have a lot of past, and I talk about it all the time.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeahâ⬠¦I guess.â⬠He absentmindedly stroked my arm. ââ¬Å"But you donââ¬â¢t talk about your mortal past. Before you were a succubus.â⬠ââ¬Å"So? Does it make a difference? Youââ¬â¢re with me now. You know the kind of person I am now.â⬠ââ¬Å"I do. And I love that person. And I want to know whatââ¬â¢s important to you. What made you who you are. I want to know what hurts you so that I can help.â⬠ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t need to know that to know who I am. My human past doesnââ¬â¢t enter in to anything,â⬠I said stiffly. ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t believe that.â⬠Again, I didnââ¬â¢t answer. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know anything about that part of your life,â⬠he continued. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know your real name. What you really look like. Where you grew up. I donââ¬â¢t even know how old you are.â⬠ââ¬Å"Hey, itââ¬â¢s not just me. You have plenty of things you donââ¬â¢t talk about,â⬠I pointed out, trying to deflect the attention. ââ¬Å"What do you want to know?â⬠ââ¬Å"Wellâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ I groped for something I didnââ¬â¢t know much about. ââ¬Å"You never talk about your dad. How he died.â⬠Seth answered immediately, without hesitation. ââ¬Å"Not much to tell. Cancer. I was thirteen. According to a therapist Mom made us see, I withdrew into a world of fantasy to cope.â⬠I leaned my head against his shoulder, knowing heââ¬â¢d expound on anything I wanted to know ââ¬â in a subdued, Seth sort of way. It was ironic considering his normal conversational reticence, but that was how he operated. He believed relationships had to have an open exchange of honesty and baring of souls. I supposed he was right, but there were too many dark parts of my soul I didnââ¬â¢t want to share. Parts I was afraid would scare him off. I knew Seth well enough to realize he wouldnââ¬â¢t push this issue anymore tonight, but I could also sense his hurt and disappointment. He didnââ¬â¢t ask me these questions to upset me; he did it out of sincere affection. That didnââ¬â¢t make it easier, unfortunately, and I fought my anxiety and long-buried pain to try to offer him something. Anything. Anything to show I was making an effort in this relationship. My original face and name were dead to me, obsolete reminders of the woman Iââ¬â¢d left behind, never mind Niphonââ¬â¢s insistence on calling me Letha. Seth would never know those things. We sat together for a long time while I decided what I could give up. Finally, with the words sticking in my mouth, I said, ââ¬Å"I grew up in Cyprus.â⬠The air grew tense as we both waited for more. ââ¬Å"In the early fifth century. I donââ¬â¢t know exactly what year I was born. We didnââ¬â¢t really keep track of those things.â⬠He exhaled. I hadnââ¬â¢t realized heââ¬â¢d been holding his breath. Slowly, carefully, he put an arm around me and pressed his lips against my hair. ââ¬Å"Thank you.â⬠I buried my face against his shoulder, not knowing what I hid from. Iââ¬â¢d barely given him anything ââ¬â just a couple of pieces of trivia. Nonetheless, yielding that tiny bit from a place in me I wanted to hide from was powerful. I felt exposed and vulnerable without fully understanding why. Seth gently stroked my hair. ââ¬Å"Is the ring from around that time?â⬠he asked. I nodded against him. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢d be worth a lot then, I suppose.â⬠ââ¬Å"I lost it,â⬠I whispered. He must have picked up on the anguish in my voice. He held me tighter. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry.â⬠We stayed together a while longer that night, but I knew he wanted to go home and work at his own place. Unable to deny him, I shooed him away, though I had a feeling that he would have stayed if Iââ¬â¢d asked it. Once he was gone, I went into my bedroom and closed the door. Kneeling in front of my open closet, I pulled out box after box, setting them haphazardly around the room. My organization lacked something ââ¬â like, say, organization ââ¬â and it took me a while to sift through the clutter of junk. Finally, I produced a shoebox covered in dust. Lifting the lid, I felt my breath catch. Old, brown letters lay stacked with a few photographs. A heavy gold cross on a fraying string lay among the papers, along with other small treasures. I carefully hunted around until I found what I wanted: a bronze ring, green with age. I held it in my hands, still able to discern the engraved couple atop the mounted disc. It was a cruder job but still very similar to Erikââ¬â¢s modern renditions. I ran my fingertips along the ringââ¬â¢s edges without knowing what I did. I even tried it on, but it didnââ¬â¢t fit. It had been made for larger fingers than I had now. I refused to shape-shift to the right size. I kept the ring out for a few more minutes, thinking of Seth and Cyprus and all sorts of things. Finally, unable to stand the ache within me, I put the ring back into its box and buried it once more in the closet. How to cite Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 3, Essay examples
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Case Study Analysis for Starbucks Corporation â⬠Sample Solution
Question: Describe about the Case Study Analysis for Starbucks Corporation. Answer: Introduction This assignment is about the case study analysis of the company Starbucks Corporation. It is an American coffee supply chain founded in the year of 1971 in Seattle, Washington. Jerry Baldwin, Zev Seigl and Gordon Bowker are the founder of the company. Presently the company is operating in more than 23,000 locations all over the world (Starbucks, 2016). The main products of Starbucks are Coffee beverages, baked food, tea and different types of smoothies. Total revenue of the company is US$ 19 billion (till 2015) (Starbucks, 2016). There are more than 238,000 employees, work for the company. Mission and vision statement of the company reflect the emphasis of the company on leadership in the coffee industry. Careful review of the website reveals that the vision statement of the company is to establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow (Starbucks, 2016). It includes some major components like: Finest quality of coffee in the world Premier purveyance Growth Uncompromising principles The mission statement of the company is To inspire and nurture the human spirit one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time (Starbucks, 2016). Problems and Challenges It has been found that Starbucks is one of the few organizations that continuously started to grow during the time period of 2001-2001. However, the company has to face various issues at the marketplace. For instance service quality and employee retention and motivation were the continuous problems for the company (Starbucks, 2016). It has been found that rapid expansion of the company is challenged by the fatigue of employees. It has been found that employees and store managers of the company are overworked and underpaid. Pricing is also another major issue that the company has to face in recent times. Lemus et al (2015) stated that, presently coffee industry is in crisis. Price of coffee has become lowest. For this reason, coffee companies have to improvise innovative strategies to reduce the price of their products. However, Starbucks has not lowered consumer process and depends on product differentiation. Although maintaining profitability is becoming challenging task for the com pany even taking account for the premium quality products in the coffee industry. There are various other controversies that the company has to face related with market strategy, labor disputes and opening stores without planning permission. SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis of the company given below: Strengths Financial performance of the company is considered as one of its major strengths. It helps the company to become the number one coffee company. It is valued more than $4 Billion which is major strength compared to its competitors The intangible strengths of the company is its brand value that symbolizes excellence. The company provides high quality products to customer at a reasonable price. Starbucks is known for its pioneering people management in the industry where hard skills and soft skills of people can make the difference between failure and success. Weaknesses The business performance of the company is highly dependent on its key input, which are coffee beans. In case of profitability, the company depends on the price of coffee beans. Hence, the company must need to diversify its products to reduce this type of dependence (Geereddy, 2012). The company is facing issues related with procurement practices. There are various environmental and social activists pointed out the unethical procurement practices incorporated by Starbucks in order to collect coffee beans. The company has priced its products from premium to middle range. For this reason, the company is not able to gain the market share of lower end customers. Opportunities The company has a huge opportunity to expand its market in the emerging markets of India and China. There are billions of customers in these two countries eagerly waiting to join the customer pool of Starbucks. The company also the opportunity to expand its product offerings and become a full scale food and beverage retailers like Burger king and McDonalds. Threats Rising prices of the Coffee beans is one of the major threats that the company might has to face in future (Ayub et al., 2013). Presently the company has to face intense competition from local coffeehouses and spatiality stores. Economic fluctuations, recession and saturation of US market are some common threats the company has to face in future (Yuece, 2012). Porters 5 forces Analysis Porters 5 force analysis for the company Starbucks have been given below: Competitive rivalry or competition (strong force) The company Starbucks is facing string competitive rivalry from companies like Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds and various other specialty coffee houses. Grant (2016) stated that, there are various external factors that have increased the market competition for the company. They are such as: Large number of companies Large variation of food and beverage companies Low switching cost Bargaining power of buyers or customers (strong force) It has been found that the consumers of Starbucks have strong bargaining power. There are three major external factors that have contribution to the strong bargaining power of consumers: Lower switching cost for customers Large number of product substitution available Small size of the individual buyers Bargaining power of suppliers (weak force) Suppliers of the company have lower bargaining power. There are some external factors that contribute to the weak force of bargaining power for suppliers. They are such as: High variety of the suppliers (weak force) Huge amount of overall supply (weak force) Moderate size of individual suppliers (moderate force) Threat of substitutes or substitution (strong force) Starbucks has also experienced strong threat of product substitution. Customers can easily shift to other company because there are various foods and beverage products available at local coffeehouses and restaurants. Roby (2012) mentioned that the cost of product substitution is low because customers have to pay less for the shifting process. For this reason, the company has to consider the threat of substitutes as it highest priority concerns. Threat of new entrants or new entry (moderate force) Threat of new entrants can be considered moderate for the company Starbuck. There are some external factors affected the threat of new entrants. They are such as: Moderate supply Chain cost (moderate force) Moderate cost of doing business (moderate force) High cost of brand development (weak force) VRIO analysis With the help of VRIO analysis the resources and capabilities of the company Starbucks can be assessed. They are mentioned below in the table: Resource or capability Valuable Rare Inimitable and non-substitutable Organized to exploit Impact on competitive advantage Strong Global presence Yes Yes Yes Yes Help to get sustainable competitive advantage Specialty coffees Yes No No Yes Realized competitive parity Cozy and friendly atmosphere Yes Yes No Yes Provides temporary competitive advantage Strong Global presence of the company: Starbucks is considered as the largest coffee company globally (Borza Borza, 2014). The passions of grate coffee and community connection are the main reason behind this strong global presence for the organization. Presently the company has 5,500 coffee stores in more than 50 countries (Sureerattanan, 2013). Premium coffee products: The Company offers different unique and satisfying beverages that other competitors cannot offer. The company also provides calorie information for these products in the menu. This makes the menu more appealing for different segment of customers. However these specialty coffee products are not actually rare. Companies like Dunkin Donuts and various other local coffee shops develop these types of products. Hence they are not rare. Friendly atmosphere: Cozy atmosphere is one of the major advantages of the company. It enables customers to enjoy their coffee with or without any companion. Problem Statement: Starbucks, at present is confronting a difficult choice. The question is that should the organization expand globally, or should it consider other alternatives that can enhance the profitability of the organization within its local market. Strategic Alternatives Available : Global expansion- Starbucks has so far dominated the market of the Asia Pacific, European and Latin American countries. However, in case the organization is willing to sustain itself, it must consider the wider scope of global expansion. The food retailing organizations such as McDonalds and KFC, has expanded even in the Asian countries, that has given them greater public recognition, increased consumer value and competitive advantage. Hence, it is advised that the organization adopts the global expansion strategy keeping in mind the Asian markets. Development of non-dairy product The organization can consider the possibility of introducing a variety of product alternatives, such as pumpkin spice latte or coconut milk that can help the organization gain competitive advantage within its territorial zone, without availing expansion. The organization can consider the sale of unique and innovative products that will help it capture consumer attention easily. The company Starbucks has to focus on increasing product alternatives. The company can introduce Sumatra Coconut milk. It will be a creamy and delicious alternative to the dairy beverages available at the coffee shops. This product will be made from single origin coconuts from the tropical Indonesian island of Sumatra. From various research and development activities and after adding various recipes, it has been found that it is the best alternative of Starbucks hot coffee, ice tea and Frappuccino. However, before introducing this product in the market, the company has to make appropriate market campaign about the product. It will increase customers attraction towards the new product coconut milk. It should be noted that the Americans have an unusual fascination with non-dairy products, and hence the shift in focus from the production of dairy products is being considered to be lucrative. The organization can consider focusing on the production of beverages, instead of the production of the dairy products. Innovative Promotional Strategy: The organization must adopt an innovative promotional strategy that will set it apart from the other organizations. The effective use of catchy logos, proper branding and effective PR strategies can easily help the organization gain greater reputation among the masses. Starbucks must consider the idea of segmenting the target audience, and selecting the effective strategies accordingly. The youngsters may find the concept of drinking coffee cool, and hence the organization can promote its products via advisements that the young consumers can relate to. The organization can also consider the option of providing coffee cups, at free of cost, to the selected, most loyal consumers. Implementation of the Best Alternative: The best alternative chosen is the global expansion of the organization. The organization can gain a competitive edge over the other organizations. Though the adoption of the alternative strategies can help to boost the sale of the products as well, it should be noted that global expansion will help in increasing the revenue and annual share of profit by multiple times. Besides, though the organization is highly recognized in any part of the world, yet the organization can promote the brand and goodwill of the organization, through the expansion strategy. It should be noted that its major competitors, such as McDonalds and KFC, use expansion strategy, and hence can effectively gain greater competitive advantage. Besides, the expansion strategy can also be utilized for engaging in CSR activities, if the organization intends to gain greater recognition. The company can consider setting up stores in the economically unprivileged local communities of developing countries. This action, ev en as a part of the business strategy, helps in offering a solution for social change, while promoting the goodwill of the company. Thus, the organizations engagement in the CSR strategy will help it in opening up employment opportunities for a minimum of 26 people, in each region. This will not only solve the socio-economic problems plaguing these regions, but will also help in improving the reputation of the organization. Conclusion This assignment is about the case study analysis of the company Starbucks. It has been found that Starbucks is one of the leading coffee business chains not only in USA but also in all over the world. Presently the company is operating in more than 23,000 locations all over the world (Doherty Lu, 2012). The main products of Starbucks are Coffee beverages, baked food, tea and different types of smoothies. The company has to face various issues related with service quality, employee retention and motivation. There are various other controversies that the company has to face related with market strategy, labor disputes and opening stores without planning permission. In order to analyze the current position of the company, SWOT analysis, Porters 5 forces analysis and VRIO analysis have been undertaken. The company has a huge opportunity to expand its market in the emerging markets of India and China. There are billions of customers in these two countries eagerly waiting to join the cust omer pool of Starbucks. The company also the opportunity to expand its product offerings and become a full scale food and beverage retailers like Burger king and McDonalds. Rising prices of the Coffee beans is one of the major threats that the company might have to face in future. In order to solve these issues, there some recommendations have been provided to the company along with appropriate implementation strategy. Reference list Ayub, A., Adeel, R., Muhammad, S. A., Hanan, I. (2013). A conceptual framework on evaluating SWOT analysis as the mediator in strategic marketing planning through marketing intelligence.European Journal of Business and Social Sciences,2(1), 91-98. Borza, S. I., Borza, I. C. (2014). A Broad Analysis of Marketing Strategies for their Incorporation as Activities in a User Centred Process.Procedia Economics and Finance,16, 239-250. Doherty, N., Lu, F. V. (2012). Strategic Marketing: Models and Plans.Service Science Research, Strategy and Innovation: Dynamic Knowledge Management Methods: Dynamic Knowledge Management Methods, 417. Frynas, J. G. (2015). Strategic CSR, value creation and competitive advantage.The Routledge Companion to Non-Market Strategy, 245-262. Geereddy, N. (2012). Strategic Analysis Of Starbucks Corporation. Gong, Y. (2013). Resource-Based Fundamentals. InGlobal Operations Strategy(pp. 141-172). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Grant, R. M. (2016).Contemporary strategy analysis: Text and cases edition. John Wiley Sons. Lawton, T. C., Rajwani, T. S. (2015). Where next for non-market strategy?.The Routledge Companion to Non-Market Strategy, 412. Leih, S., Linden, G., Teece, D. (2014). Business model innovation and organizational design: a dynamic capabilities perspective. Lemus, E., Von Feigenblatt, O. F., Orta, M., Rivero, O. (2015). Starbucks Corporation: Leading Innovation in the 21st Century.Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences,7(1), 23-38. Roby, L. R. (2012). An Analysis of Starbucks as a Company and an International Business. Starbucks. (2016).Starbucks Coffee Company. Retrieved 23 November 2016, from https://www.starbucks.in/ Sureerattanan, N. (2013). Applying SWOT Analysis to Solve a Learning Problem: An Experiential Case at Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology. In2013 International Conference on Educational Research and Sports Education (ERSE 2013). Atlantis Press. Yuece, I. (2012). SWOT Analysis of McDonalds and Derivation of Appropriate Strategies.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
The Hidden Facts About Possible Essay Topics Us History Regents
The Hidden Facts About Possible Essay Topics Us History Regents The Benefits of Possible Essay Topics Us History Regents Together with the UK Essay Help undergraduates cannot be worried about the time but delight in a complete life. Or the paper might concentrate on medical discoveries, like the polio vaccine or penicillin. Use the chapter exams as a pre-assessment to learn your weak spots, then conserve time by working through only the lessons you will need. Otherwise, all of the research which you've done will go to waste if you cannot describe it comprehensively. Therefore, nobody can learn that you buy a history essay sample from us. The technique needed to compose an impressive history essay can fluctuate from 1 topic to another. Let's start from the very start and talk about how to compose a thematic essay. Even in the event the essay's questions seem unrelated, it is necessary to draw a parallel. Thus, writing a history paper will surely be fun, if you merely opt for a really intriguing history essay topic. Congratulations it appears like you've received your initial thematic essay assignment! If you don't find out how to compose a thematic essay, there's always a means out we can write an essay for you. Nowadays it's very hard to locate a trustworthy essay writing service. The next point to discuss is the best way to compose a thematic essay. In a thematic essay, it could be really hard to define the key question form the very first look at the assignment prompt. The thesis statement ought to be included within this paragraph to allow readers to comprehend the central argument of the paper. Following that, choose a strong thesis statement. You may opt for a subject that appears to be relevant. An essay is mostly targeted at activating educational and cognitive activity. Commonly, the thematic essay is connected with social problems in distinct periods of human civilization. Conduct some analysis to demonstrate your theory and explain your primary claims. The task creates an individual actively reflect on the problem (subject, question) and search for optimal kinds of expression, which is a significant factor in mental development of someone. Just take the subject which you have to investigate and think about a particular aspect that can be discovered from other elements. Include a minumum of one good example to keep and develop your primary statements. There ought to be a very clear distinction between the content in the debut, in the major body, and in the conclusion. Whatever They Told You About Possible Essay Topics Us History Regents Is Dead Wrong...And Here's Why The most frequently encountered paper writing service that the majority of our clients require is essay writing. For example, you will need an outline. Anyway, adequate research and knowing of the material also play a critical role in writing a great essay. It will function as a superior template for your writing and provide you hints during the entire process. After you inform us about all of the paper information, we'll begin searching for an ideal writer for your paper. Perhaps you still must understand more about the way to compose a history paper. To begin with, the paper is passed through Copyscape application to make sure that it isn't plagiarized. It is an impossible task to compose a great history paper if you write about something you find boring and don't care about whatsoever. Bear in mind, if you're writing an argument about whether they really existed, you are going to want to present evidence to strengthen your argument but will also will need to deal with the counterargument. If it's the very first time you're likely to use our article writing service, you most likely have a lot of questions. Use factual info and base your reply to each question on the particular document to which it is related, and make sure to compose each answer using complete sentences. To make sure that you will see a complete answer to every qu estion, we've got a support team that is always online. The 5-Minute Rule for Possible Essay Topics Us History Regents Within this area of the paper, you are going to supply the essence and justification of your selection of the topic. Your very first idea is nearly always very likely to be too large. Perhaps you simply do not know the subject well enough, and that's the reason you can't locate the idea for your history essay. It is crucial to select the main idea dependent on the prompt.
Bambara Essay Topics and the Lessons by Toni Cade
Bambara Essay Topics and the Lessons by Toni CadeBambara Essay Topics and the Lessons by Toni Cade is an informative guide that helps students and teachers understand the importance of essay writing. It discusses the different aspects of essay writing such as a student's research and thought process, plagiarism issues, narrative structure, as well as vocabulary and grammar. The lessons guide is written by a former journalism instructor who has been teaching the writing skills for several years. The lessons guide is a valuable resource for students who would like to improve their academic performance through essay writing.There are three key points that students will learn through Bambara Essay Topics and the Lessons by Toni Cade. One point of the lesson guide is the importance of essay writing as a form of creative expression. It is said that the ability to express oneself creatively is a very important skill that students should acquire. It is said that the best essay writers are th ose who express themselves in their own words instead of by plagiarizing others.A second point is that students will also learn about the importance of essay writing to improve academic performance. They will also learn that essay writing can help them analyze and evaluate information they receive. The third point of the lesson guide is about the importance of essay writing in business. This is because business students will be able to use the different essay topics to enhance their skills in writing effective business essays.The third chapter of the lesson guide is the essay topics that can be used to enhance academic skills. This includes essay writing and research skills. It also includes a discussion on literary theory and how students can use different essay topics to express themselves through the different literary works. The essays are then used to compare the various essays and students will be able to determine what kinds of topics are worth the effort. They will also be a ble to identify when essays have flaws that will make it less effective in the academic process.The fifth chapter of the lesson guide is the best essay topics, which includes essay topics that contain multiple dimensions. These multiple dimensions include plot, dialogue, and character development. A student will also learn that essay writing has three basic parts, which include analysis, writing, and reading. The essay should be organized in such a way that it is clear and concise.The sixth chapter of the lesson guide is the essay topics that contain a theme. Students will learn that the essay topics can be applied to both fiction and non-fiction topics. One theme is that of a family. The students will be able to identify their family's strengths and weaknesses and be able to identify the areas that need improvement.The seventh chapter of the lesson guide is about essay topics that are based on real world situations. It includes different themes such as changing cultures, experienci ng different points of view, and being ostracized. The lesson guide is also about the writing process that uses a variety of factors, such as plot, character development, and story arc. The essay topics can also include essays about celebrity issues, politics, and society at large.The eighth chapter of the lesson guide is about essay topics that allow students to express themselves using all of their resources. It includes essay topics based on personal experiences, classroom issues, and issues of social justice. The lesson guide also includes essays on international affairs, public policy, and financial reports. Finally, the final chapter of the lesson guide is about the topics that can be applied to a variety of academic subjects, such as sports, architecture, and television.
Research Paper Topics on Beowulf Guide
Research Paper Topics on Beowulf Guide Whatever They Told You About Research Paper Topics on Beowulf Is Dead Wrong...And Here's Why Even though it would help to get an ESP, superior instinct and intuitiveness would help in giving a synopsis of things to visit your client. You'll quickly discover that a tiny discussion can go quite a distance. As you state your primary concept, subject, and a purpose, be sure to capture reader's interest. Qualitative research is a powerful means to comprehend and learn more about the meaning ascribed to a specific issue. One of the most difficult tasks for students is creating manageable and informative topics. In the present day and age, it would be silly not to make the most of this kind of outstanding resource that's right at just about any student's fingertips. You can do research in various various ways. 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The Best Essay Topics For the SSAT Middle Level Test
The Best Essay Topics For the SSAT Middle Level TestYou know that you've got a SSAT middle level essay and that you have a big opportunity to succeed with it, but how do you prepare for it? You've heard the advice that writing fluently is far more important than any other writing skill, and if you're a 'breatharian' who loves the written word and finds that it's easier to write when breath is freed up, you're in luck. Breatharianism (also known as juice fasting) allows you to naturally produce energy and focus while you're engaged in the task of writing, which makes it easier for you to answer difficult questions from the start.You might have a single essay that you're preparing for; or perhaps you've taken a few to high school, college, or your first job; or you may be in an advanced writing course or an intensive workshop. Whichever situation you're in, here are some tips on writing fluently in English on the easiest SSAT middle level essay topics to write about:o Spend time review ing what you've already written. That first sentence may not quite sum up the essay topic that you intended to address, and you may need to revise or revamp it. Try to find different angles to examine, or even an entirely new perspective on the topic. Have you ever read something and found yourself agreeing with it, and after you've finished the book, you have a different view of the original concept? If you read and reread the essay, you can repeat this process, and you may find that you've improved it.o The same principle applies to summaries: make sure you outline exactly what you mean, instead of just leaving it vague. The importance of the summary is that it lays out the major points that you want to present in your essay, so that you have an organized, clear image of what your overall essay will say. Having a brief summary will give you more control over the structure of your essay, as well as help you organize the information you'll need to present in the body of the essay.o A lot of times, your writing will require you to come up with your own interpretation of the facts. For example, if you're writing about a certain issue, but you're not sure whether or not it's a serious concern, you could include some serious points in your essay. In doing so, you'll make it a little easier for people to understand what you mean, and you'll get additional points for your work.There are several more tips that apply to essay topics on topics like marriage, politics, and religion. It doesn't really matter whether you're writing about topics that will be required for tests like the SSAT, or you're writing one as a personal project. What matters is that you use these tips to make sure that you arrive at a quality essay. Don't forget that it's a lot easier to come up with information than it is to create great material, so take advantage of the tools at your disposal and think outside the box!The main goal of the SSAT is to prepare you for college, and one of the best wa ys to achieve that is to study for and take the test. By doing this, you'll be preparing yourself for tests like the SSAT as well as preparing yourself for high school, college, and professional writing courses, and you can spend your time doing the things you enjoy and earning money that you can use for those things.So spend the time writing your essay today, and in the future, make sure that you're applying the tools and techniques that will help you arrive at a true knowledge of your subject and, of course, that you can deliver the results you deserve to your audience. This will be an essay that gets attention and has your audience thinking 'wow!'
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Chem Lab Report Sample
Chem Lab Report Paper Introduction Matter that people encounter in everyday life consists of mixtures of different substances. Mixtures are combinations of two or more substances in which each substance retains its own chemical identity and therefore the original properties are maintained. The substances making up a mixture are called its components. According to our General Chemistry book, there are two types of mixtures; homogeneous and heterogeneous. Homogeneous mixtures are those that are uniform in composition, properties, and appearance throughout. Heterogeneous mixtures do not have the same composition, properties and appearance. Mixtures are characterized by two different properties: each of the substances in the mixture retains its chemical identity and mixtures are separable into these components by physical means, from heating, freezing, drying, etc. If one of the substances in a mixture exceeds the amounts of the other substances in the mixture you call it an impure substance and the other substances in the mixture are impurities. The preparation of compounds usually involves their separation or isolation from reactants or other impurities. The separation of the components of mixtures is based upon the fact that each component has different physical properties. The components of mixtures are always pure substances, either compounds or elements and each pure substance will possess a unique set of properties. Similarly, every crystal of a pure substance melts at a specific temperature and a given pressure, and every pure substance boils at a specific temperature and a given pressure. There are four different methods of separation depending upon differences in physical properties. They are declination, filtration, extraction, sublimation. We will write a custom essay sample on Chem Lab Report specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Chem Lab Report specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Chem Lab Report specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In declination, a liquid is separated from a solid by gently pouring the liquid from the solid so the only the solid remains in the container. Filtration is the process of separating a solid from a liquid by using a porous substance (a filter). Filtration allows the liquid but not the solid to pass through, again, leaving behind the insoluble substance. Extraction separates a substance from a mixture by choosing to dissolve that substance in a suitable solvent (usually water). Sublimation happens when a solid passes directly to the gaseous state and back to the solid state without passing through the intermediary liquid state. Material and Methods Evaporating Dish Beaker 3. 0 Grams of mixture (Enoch ammonium chloride, Nasal sodium chloride, Isis silicon dioxide) Heat plate Balance Oven Stirring rod 15 ml water x 2 = 30 ml water Obtain mass of evaporating dish. 2. Add 3. 0 grams of mixture (NICE ammonium chloride, Nasal sodium chloride, Isis silicon dioxide) to the evaporating dish and weigh to obtain mass of evaporating dish and sample mixture. 3. Subtract mass of evaporating dish from mass of original sample to get mass of original sample. 4. Place dish with sample onto heat plate to sublime the Enoch. 5. Remove from heat to cool mixture then weigh again. The difference in mass of evaporating dish and sample prior to heating and after heating represents the amount of Enoch in the mixture. 6. Obtain mass of beaker using the balance. 7. Add 15 ml of H2O to the mixture in the evaporating dish and stir gently 8. Decant the liquid into the beaker making sure not to transfer any of the solid into the beaker. 9. Add another 15 ml of H2O to the mixture in the evaporating dish and stir gently. Decant the liquid again into the beaker making sure not to transfer any of the solid into the beaker to extract Nasal. 0. Place beaker with sodium chloride solution onto heat plate and heat until water evaporates. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Weigh beaker. Difference between this weight and the weight of the empty beaker is the amount of Nasal in the mixture. 11. Take evaporating dish with Isis and heat until dry in oven. Once dry, remove evaporating dish from oven and allow to cool. Obtain the mass of Isis by weighting the evaporating dish with cooled mixture and subtracting mass of empty evaporating dish obtained earlier. 12. Find percent of Enoch, Nasal, and Isis in mixture by taking mass of each substance and viding by the mass of the original sample. Results: Separation of the Components of a Mixture A. Mass of Evaporating Dish and Original Sample 41 . 606 g Mass of evaporating dish 38. 859 g Mass of original sample 2. 747 g Mass of evaporating dish after subliming NICE 41. 466 g Mass of Enoch 5. 096 % 0. Egg percent of Enoch % Enoch = 0. Egg/ 2. 747 100% = 5. 096 % B. Mass of Evaporating Dish, Watch Glass and Nasal 106. 521 g Mass of evaporating dish and beaker 1. 307 g Percent of Nasal Niacin = 1. 307 g/ 2. 747 g* 100% = 45. 32 % C. Mass of Evaporating Dish and Isis 105. Egg Mass of Ana 45. 32% % 40. 04 g Mass of 38. Egg Mass of Isis 1. Egg percent of Isis = 1. 245 g / 2. 747 g* 100% = 45. 322 % D. Mass of Original Sample determined (Enoch + Niacin + Isis) weights 45. 322% % Isis 2. 747 g Mass of 2. 692 g Differences in these 0. 055 g Percent recovery of matter 97. 997% % recovery of matter = 2. Egg /2. Egg = 97. 997 % Account for our errors about 2% Discussion The first step in the experiment required using the oven to heat th e mixture, with ammonium chloride, sodium chloride, and silicon dioxide in the evaporating dish, until white fumes were no longer form[De], according to the lab description. The goal was to sublimate the ammonium chloride, as it is not water soluble. It took about fifteen minutes to sublimate the Enoch. The dish had to cool as well when it came out of the oven. The mass of the dish contents were weighed and subtracted from the mass off the starting mass of the dish and the original mixture. The result was the loss of NICE. Errors could have resulted from incorrectly weighing the original and ending samples. If ample time was not given to the sublimating process, Enoch may not have completely left the dish, the weight would not just include the mass of the other two substances. The next stage required careful declination and stirring to remove only the liquid into a separate dish. The goal was to leave behind the insoluble substance, sand, and pour off the soluble Nasal. It was possible to accidentally remove particles of sand into the solution, which would influence the mass calculation of the two dishes. If stirring was not rigorous enough and water was not repeatedly added to sort out the sand from the liquid, there was a potential for sand staying behind as well. The final stage was to use the heating unit to evaporate the water from the solution to leave behind Nasal. At the same time, the heating unit was used to dry the sodium chloride in another dish. A calculation was made between the mass of the empty evaporating dish and the watch glass to reveal the mass of Nasal. Errors at this stage probably resulted from inaccurate readings on the scale or not drying the samples completely. The final stage of the experiment was to isolate the sand and calculate its mass. By this late stage, any errors in measurement, timing and calculations would have trickled down to the final remaining substance. The percentage of accuracy of the three components in the experiment should total 99%. If the percentage was less than that, you have been sloppy according to the lab manual. Conclusion In this experiment, it became apparent that what appears to be a simple mixture of elements is really more complicated. Heterogeneous mixtures may appear to be random collections of single substances, but when they are sorted into their components, the homogeneous elements can be observed. This was the case with this experiment. The original mixture had three substances: Nasal, Enoch, and Isis. By using four methods, declination, filtration, extraction, and sublimation, the separate components in the mixture could be isolated and sighed.
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